PassAlong Networks to feature EMI's DRM-free catalog

EMI Group continues its campaign to provide DRM-free songs, today the music group announced a licensing deal with PassAlong Networks, which operates the StoreBlocks music retail technology used in online stores like F.Y.E. and BreakthruRadio, allowing customers to buy songs from EMI Music's entire digital catalog free of digital rights management (DRM) technology and in a higher-quality bit rate.

"We applaud EMI Music's bold decision to test the DRM-free waters," said PassAlong Networks' co-founder and CEO Dave Jaworski. "Music consumers have demanded interoperability and ease of use and we hope that by offering EMI Music's DRM-free music files, we will simplify and improve their digital music experience."
The songs will be offered in MP3 format at a 320kbps rate – more than the 256kbps premium songs offered by Apple’s iTunes store. Pricing, however, has not yet been disclosed. The company is said to be exploring similar DRM-free opportunities with other labels.